A New Tradition Is Born: Welcome Your Whitecaps FC

VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC will be standing united with fans all season long, starting from the time they arrive at BC Place.

New this year will be a team arrival at the stadium, with all matchday roster players and coaches entering together. The team bus will park at the intersection of Robson Street and Beatty Street, 90 minutes prior to kickoff. From there players will walk up to Terry Fox Plaza, move through the Whitecaps welcome line, and enter through Gate H.

"Having the right mentality starts from the time we arrive at the stadium," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "We will come to the stadium together, united as a team and with our fans, and we will bring that same mentality on the pitch."

Fans are encouraged to be at Terry Fox Plaza at 5:45 p.m. PT on Saturday to greet the team, and stay for 'Caps Kickoff including music, games, family fun entertainment, and a player autograph signing at the Bell Box.

Very limited tickets for Saturday's season opener remain available at whitecapsfc.com/tickets

"We are all a part of creating this winning culture," added Mark Pannes, Whitecaps FC chief executive officer. "This is a tremendous opportunity to show support for our team and build the excitement for kickoff. Coming together with our fans at stadium arrival will be a big part of our home pitch advantage. It starts on Saturday, so come join us and be a part of it."

Also changing this season are new security measures for smoother entry. BC Place is introducing walk-through metal detectors. Guests will no longer need to remove personal items such as mobile phones, keys, watches, belts, or jackets before walking through the metal detectors, unless requested by venue staff. No bags larger than 14''x14''x6'' are permitted into the stadium. All bags under this size will continue to be inspected prior to entry.

As part of introducing these new procedures, gates will open early for Saturday's match at 6 p.m. PT.